Mickelson to transfer from Arkansas

NWA Media/MICHAEL WOODS --02/02/2013-- Arkansas forward Hunter Mickelson pulls in a rebound during the first half of Saturday afternoon's game against Tennessee at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville.

FAYETTEVILLE  Arkansas forward Hunter Mickelson will transfer from Arkansas, his father Darien said Tuesday.

Mickelson, a 6-foot-10 sophomore, averaged 5.4 points and 3.5 rebounds last season playing a little more than 16 minutes per game for the Razorbacks. He led Arkansas with 39 blocks last season after setting a school freshman record with 72 the year before.

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Darien Mickelson said his son will finish the semester at the University of Arkansas and is appreciative of the opportunity to play for the Razorbacks. His departure gives Arkansas a second open scholarship after guard BJ Young and forward Marshawn Powell declared for the NBA Draft last month.

Mickelson was part of a five-man signing class in 2011 for the Razorbacks which was ranked No. 6 in the nation by Scout.com. With his departure, only guard Rashad Madden is scheduled to return to Arkansas next season from that class.

In addition to the departures of Mickelson and Young, forward Devonta Abron transferred to TCU following last season and guard Aaron Ross is now at Texas Tech after attending a prep school as a freshman.